India to take on Australia in CWG Hockey finals

New Delhi, Oct 14: After electrifying victories over Pakistan and England, Indian hockey team is set to taken on world champs, Australia in their first Commonwealth Games finals at Delhi on Thursday, Oct 14.

While the defending champions are world favourites to grab the Gold at the Delhi Games, India is not only riding high on morale boosted following the two emphatic wins but will also enjoy home advantage.

The eight-time Olympic gold medallists' 5-2 fall to the Aussies in the group stages has been completely overshadowed by the host country's 7-4 victory over long standing rivals Pakistan and 5-4 penalty shootout triumph over England.

These two wins have instilled great confidence in the team as well as the country as the men have proved that they are ready to adapt strategies to thwart differing challenges.

While Pak was relatively easier opponent to handle in comparison with England, Indians proved their might by coming up form behind and winning the semifinals against their very well-organized and aggressive English nemesis.

Similar to what was heard and said ahead of the England match, Indian team will have to further tighten their defence strategy to take down the Aussies, who are looking to complete the year with a hat-trick following the World Cup and the Champions Trophy victories.

Another challenge that Indians will have to face is the weather conditions. The finals is scheduled to be held at 11:30 am, a time when the heat can get over-bearing at the national Capital. So far, the team has played matches only in the evening.